Florist, local fire station team up

Valentine’s Day fundraiser to help Arts ‘n Autism

Published: Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 7:39 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | A local flower shop and some off-duty firefighters are teaming up for a Valentine’s Day fundraiser to benefit the Arts ‘n Autism after-school program.

Tuscaloosa Flower Shoppe, 2208 University Blvd., will donate all delivery fees and tips collected on Valentine’s Day by off-duty Tuscaloosa firefighters, who are volunteering to make the deliveries on Feb. 14.

The flower shop will also sell paper hearts for the fundraiser, ranging in price from $1 to $50.

Anyone who purchases a heart worth $10 or more will be eligible for an upgraded flower arrangement.

All proceeds benefit the mission of Arts ‘n Autism, which provides after-school care and arts-based therapy for autistic children and young adults in West Alabama.

This is the third year of the “Hearts on Fire for Arts ‘n Autism” fundraiser.

Suzanne Dowling, the program’s director of development, said Arts ‘n Autism helps families dealing with autism, because so many of them cannot attend typical after-school programs or activities.

“Arts ‘n Autism is filling a need for so many of the working families in West Alabama that have children with autism. It gives their children a safe place to be until parents get off work,” Dowling said.

“There is a fee for the program, but it is the program’s policy not to turn anyone away because they cannot pay,” she said. “Fundraisers such as this one help us fill the gap.”

<p>TUSCALOOSA | A local flower shop and some off-duty firefighters are teaming up for a Valentine's Day fundraiser to benefit the Arts 'n Autism after-school program.</p><p>Tuscaloosa Flower Shoppe, 2208 University Blvd., will donate all delivery fees and tips collected on Valentine's Day by off-duty Tuscaloosa firefighters, who are volunteering to make the deliveries on Feb. 14.</p><p>The flower shop will also sell paper hearts for the fundraiser, ranging in price from $1 to $50. </p><p>Anyone who purchases a heart worth $10 or more will be eligible for an upgraded flower arrangement.</p><p>All proceeds benefit the mission of Arts 'n Autism, which provides after-school care and arts-based therapy for autistic children and young adults in West Alabama.</p><p>This is the third year of the “Hearts on Fire for Arts 'n Autism” fundraiser.</p><p>Suzanne Dowling, the program's director of development, said Arts 'n Autism helps families dealing with autism, because so many of them cannot attend typical after-school programs or activities. </p><p>“Arts 'n Autism is filling a need for so many of the working families in West Alabama that have children with autism. It gives their children a safe place to be until parents get off work,” Dowling said.</p><p>“There is a fee for the program, but it is the program's policy not to turn anyone away because they cannot pay,” she said. “Fundraisers such as this one help us fill the gap.” </p><p>For information or to order flowers, go to www.tuscaloosaflower</p><p>shoppe.com or call 205-758-3065.</p>